from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Duenna \Du*en"na\, n.; pl. {Duennas}. [Sp. due[~n]a, do[~n]a,
fr. L. domina. See {Dame}.]
1. The chief lady in waiting on the queen of Spain. --Brande.
[1913 Webster]
2. An elderly lady holding a station between a governess and
companion, and appointed to have charge over the younger
ladies in a Spanish or a Portuguese family. --Brande & C.
[1913 Webster]
3. Any old woman who is employed to guard a younger one; a
governess. --Arbuthnot.
[1913 Webster]